University of Kansas School of Medicine

What you'll study

Students build advanced competence across several applied areas of clinical nutrition. The program specifically develops skills in:

• Communication for interdisciplinary health care teams,
• Medical nutrition therapy at an advanced clinical level,
• Management and leadership for nutrition services and programs, and
• Interprofessional and research experience, including designing and completing outcomes-focused research projects.

Faculty actively conduct human nutrition research and mentor students through the research process. For full curriculum details the program directs applicants to view the program curriculum on the KU site.

Entry requirements

This is a post-professional program. Applicants must hold current professional RDN licensure and have completed a master’s degree prior to admission. The program page also provides information on eligibility, technical standards and the application process.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in clinical nutrition settings and higher education through advanced coursework and the completion of outcomes-based research projects. The degree is presented as enhancing competitiveness for senior roles and may increase earning potential. This doctoral credential does not provide initial professional licensing and is not required for licensure—students enter already credentialed for practice.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program page includes sections on costs and financial aid; prospective applicants are invited to attend informational sessions that cover degree requirements and financial-aid opportunities. For application questions and program details the listed contacts include the program director, Swarna Mandali, Ph.D., RDN, LD, and an outreach specialist for early-undergraduate inquiries.